Go Green

There are environmentally friendly ways to cut utilities costs. Our environmental commitment and our customers are something we are proud to stand behind. When it comes to saving money on your utility bills, it helps to identify the areas in your house that expend the most water and energy. Below are just a few ways to Go Green and save.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, almost 50 percent of a typical home's utility bill is attributed to heating and air conditioning, 30 percent to appliances and lighting, and 20 percent to the water heater and refrigerator. Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are three major appliances that you may want to consider replacing with more energy- and water-efficient models.

The Brownsville Public Utilities Board offers GreenLiving Rebates should you decide to upgrade energy or water conservation appliances.

Here are some more quick Go Green tips:

Tune it:

A pre-season tune-up and filter is a good investment for removing dirty air that clogs your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, improving airflow and helping your system run efficiently. Keeping your system running at peak efficiency equates to less energy use and lower utility bills.

Upgrade/Replace it.

HVAC - If your HVAC system is older than 10 years, it may be time for an upgrade. Installing a new, high-efficiency system that uses non-ozone depleting refrigerant can reduce your annual heating and cooling costs from by 30 to 50 percent. GreenLiving Rebates are available for HVAC and window air condition unit upgrades.

Lighting - When purchasing new appliances, electronics, and lighting, save money on your utility bill and help the environment by purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified products. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR have the highest rating a product can earn for energy efficiency.

Insulate it.

Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Check the insulation in your attic, crawlspaces, and any hard-to-reach spaces that tend to be the biggest energy loss areas and can make a noticeable difference on your energy bill.

Caulk and weather strip doors and windows that leak air. Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring penetrates through walls, floors or ceilings.

Toilet Tank Test: Small leaks can add up in a hurry. Check for leaky toilets by dropping a little food coloring in your toilet tank. Wait 10 minutes. If, without flushing, the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak. Fortunately, the flapper and fill valve are easy, inexpensive replacements.

Understanding your bill is another important way to learn to use energy more efficiently by learning to calculate your fuel factor.

Online Account – No driving required. No waiting in line. Here are a few ways we can partner to help the environment and get your utilities account managed any time of the day. With your BPUB online account, you can have convenient, 24-hour access to: